The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a mindfulness- and acceptance-based smoking cessation program in group (MRG). MRG was developed into an intervention consisting of 6 group sessions during 35 days including individual homework assignments. 8 of 10 participants completed the program. In order to evaluate the effect of MRG a quasi-experimental design with pretest and double posttest (second posttest at 1 month) was chosen. At second posttest, 50 percent (of 8 completers) were non-smokers, and the rest showed a decrease in smoking at a rate between 45 and 75 percent. Increase of the acceptance aspect of mindfulness was correlated with non-smoking. Mindfulness, as a strategy used by participants, seemed to be used when withdrawal symptoms increased. In addition, mindfulness seemed to be correlated with a decrease in experienced discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, but not with the number of experienced withdrawal symptoms. MRG was well received by participants. It is not possible to make conclusions about causality because of the lack of a control group. We therefore suggest evaluation of MRG in a controlled study in the future.

Comments:

6 acceptance and mindfulness group sessions during 35 days including individual homework assignments. 8 of 10 participants completed the program. At 1 mo follow up 50 percent (of 8 completers) were non-smokers, and the rest showed a decrease in smoking at a rate between 45 and 75 percent. Increase of the acceptance aspect of mindfulness was correlated with non-smoking.